Boston GAA report: Aidan McAnespies impress in Pat O'Brien Cup Final

Aidan McAnespies re-captured the Pat O'Brien Cup from the Wolfe Tones with a fine display over the 60 minutes. A great display from corner forward, Cian Tobin helped the Macs on their way and the Kerry native was well supported by Gareth O'Neill, Cronin Dempsey, and Darryl Brolly. The Tones struggled to find any kind of flow to their game, while it was the opposite for McAnespies as they played some nice fluid football, found each other well, and looked the hungrier of the two teams.

After a dream start to the game for the Tones, McAnespies took control of affairs and left their opponents in their wake. Marty Kelly netted shortly after the throw in, but McAnespies answered with a point from Cian Tobin followed by a goal from corner forward, Darryl Brolly. Cronin Dempsey and Gareth O'Neill controlled matter in the middle third of the field, while Kerry native, Cian Tobin proved to be a dangerman at corner forward. Tobin accounted for six of McAnespies eight first half points, four were from frees as the Tones were forced into persistent fouling, and looked surprisingly sluggish throughout the half. As the scoreboard kept ticking over nicely for McAnespies, the Tones searched for answers in the forward line but were instead left with a lot of questions. At the break it was a handsome 1-8 to 1-1 lead for the red side of South Boston.

The Tones tried to get the second half started on a better note than that in which the first ended, and succeeded in shaving two points off the deficit, however, the killer blow came from Enda Hamill. Tobin played a part, after fielding the cross field ball Tobin turned to make the opening and Hamill slid the ball neatly between the legs of Cathal Hynes. Gary Brilly answered with a fine point, however another three pointer from McAnespies put the matter to bed. Aidan Lynch was fouled in the penalty area and put the spot kick away himself. So it is Aidan McAnespies making the noise early in the season.

In Sheehan Cup action Galway and Wexford got their respective seasons off the ground. Wexford came out on top by a score of 1-13 to 0-5 for Galway.

The Ladies season also kicked off with the Boston Shamrocks defeating Connacht Ladies by a score of 3-11 to 4-4. The sin bun rule was applied in the game, and the Connacht Ladies spent long stretches playing down a player as a result.

Schedule

Wednesday May 15

5:30 Sheehan Cup: Fr. Tom Burke's v Galway

Sunday May 19

TBD Sheehan Cup: Wexford v Tipperary

Sunday, May 26

Senior Football Championship

1:15 Aidan McAnespies v Connemara Gaels

2:30 Galway vKerry

3:45 Shannon Blues v Wolfe Tones

5:00 Donegal v Christopher's

Referees Course

Saturday, May 18 there will be a referees course from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Irish Cultural Center. The course will be run by Trevor Keane and John Sheehy who are traveling from Chicago. Referees and managers will get a lot out of the course which will cover the latest developments. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. It is mandatory that clubs send at least 2 representatives.

Senior Football Championship Begins Sunday, May 26

Sunday, May 26 sees the first day of the Boston Senior Football Championship. The competition in Boston is the best that you will see in North American both with the number of teams and the level of play. All 8 teams will be in action. Aidan McAnespies and Connemara Gaels are first up at 1:15, Galway and Kerry meet at 2:30, Shannon Blues open their defence of the title against the Wolfe Tones at 3:45, while the final game of the day will see Christopher's and Donegal meet. Over the winter and early Spring clubs have been filling out their home based rosters. Early season points are of prime importance to get in position for one of the 6 playoff spots that will be available come August. If the last few years are a precedent there is a fine summer of football to look forward to. Come out on May 26 and support your club!